7 Apps You Should Download Before Your Next Hike

So, you’ve downloaded FarOut, Gaia, Goat Maps, AllTrails, or some other mapping app that’ll keep you from walking in circles for six months. Great! But what about the times when you’re not navigating — when you’re waiting out a storm in your tent, trying to figure out if that bird is a peregrine falcon or just an angry pigeon, attempting to settle a debate over which nearby peak is actually the tallest, or just bored out of your mind during a sleepless night?

That’s where these must-have, no-signal-needed apps come in. They won’t tell you how far it is to the next water source, but they will make your thru-hike a lot more interesting.

1. PeakFinder – Because Guessing Is Only Fun Until You’re Wrong

Android | iOS

Ever found yourself confidently pointing out a peak, only to be corrected later? PeakFinder solves that problem by using your phone’s camera and GPS to overlay mountain names on your screen. With a database of over 850,000 peaks worldwide, this app works offline, so you’ll always know if you’re looking at Mount Whitney or just another nameless hill. Plus, it gives elevation data, so you can settle those “which one’s taller?” debates once and for all.

2. Merlin Bird ID – Identify the Birds That Wake You Up at 4 AM

Android | iOS

Whether you’re curious or just annoyed by the early morning bird chorus, Merlin Bird ID has you covered. The app lets you record bird songs and instantly identifies the species, even without cell service. It also uses your location to narrow down likely matches, so you’re not sorting through birds that don’t live anywhere near you.

With photo ID and a detailed species guide, you’ll either learn to appreciate your noisy neighbors or at least know who to blame. Merlin will save your six most recent locations for offline use, so make sure you have the correct one downloaded before leaving civilization. 

3. Seek by iNaturalist – Stop Eating Mystery Plants!

Android | iOS

Seek by iNaturalist is like having a botanist in your pocket. Using your phone’s camera, it identifies plants, fungi, and animals — even offline. It’s great for learning about the ecosystem around you or figuring out which plants to avoid touching. The app doesn’t tell you if something’s edible (don’t eat mystery plants!), but it’s a great tool for expanding your trail knowledge.

Pro tip: Combine it with state-specific offline wildflower ID apps for even more detailed information on local flora. Find these by searching “(State Name) Wildflower” in the App Store.

4. Libby – Turn Your Zero Days Into Book Days

Android | iOS

Libby connects you to your local library’s digital catalog, letting you download audiobooks and eBooks before heading into the backcountry. Once downloaded, they’re available offline, making it perfect for tent-bound storm days or relaxing at camp.

The app’s user-friendly interface lets you adjust playback speed and bookmark important parts, so you’ll never lose your place. Just remember to sync in town — running out of chapters mid-trail is a special kind of torture.

5. Pocket Casts – For When You Need a Trail Podcast Binge

Android | iOS

Sure, you could carry a physical book (ultralighters, look away), but why not let someone else do the talking? Pocket Casts lets you download and organize podcasts so you can queue up everything from true crime to deep-dive science while hiking. Bonus: nothing makes a climb go by faster than getting completely absorbed in a bizarre conspiracy theory podcast.

If you’re more organized than I am, you can also download podcast episodes on Spotify in town before you lose service, but Pocket Casts has a better user interface for podcasts.

6. Sky Guide – Stargazing Without the Guesswork

iOS

Point your phone at the night sky, and Sky Guide identifies stars, constellations, planets, and even passing satellites. It works offline using your GPS, so you can stargaze even in the most remote campsites. The app also has a time-travel feature that shows the sky’s movement, so you can plan the best times to see meteor showers or planetary alignments. Impress your tramily with your newfound celestial knowledge.

Sadly, Sky Guide is only available for iOS devices right now. SkyView is a great alternative for Android users.

7. 1 Second Everyday – Document Your Hike Without the Overhead of Vlogging

Android | iOS

This app lets you capture a one-second video clip each day, which it stitches into a montage at the end of your hike. It’s a simple way to document your journey without the hassle of editing hours of footage. The app works offline and reminds you to take a clip each day, ensuring you don’t miss any moments. The final video becomes a condensed, emotional memory of your trek—perfect for sharing or just reminiscing.

Your Phone Is More Than Just a GPS

A good thru-hike is about being present, but let’s be honest — sometimes you need a little entertainment, education, or just a distraction from the fact that your feet are rebelling against you. These apps won’t replace the magic of the trail, but they will make your adventure a little more fun, a little more informative, and a lot less boring when you’re stuck in your tent during a downpour.

Am I missing any? Let me know in the comments below so I can pack more apps into my already overcrowded phone!

Featured image: Photo by Dmitrii Vaccinium on Unsplash. Graphic design by Chris Helm.